Shloka 66
Kaurava Mobilization at Kurukṣetra (Duryodhana Orders War Preparations) / कुरुक्षेत्रे धार्तराष्ट्र-सैन्यसज्जा
रथायुतानि चत्वारि हया: पञ्चगुणास्तथा । पत्तिसैन्यं दशगुणं गजानामयुतानि षट्
rathāyutāni catvāri hayāḥ pañcaguṇās tathā | pattisainyaṁ daśaguṇaṁ gajānām ayutāni ṣaṭ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “There were four ayutas of chariots; the horses were five times that number; the infantry was ten times; and the elephants numbered six ayutas.” It is a measured accounting of forces in formation, reminding us that war is not only heroic speech but the mobilization of vast lives and resources, deepening the gravity of the coming conflict.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
By quantifying chariots, horses, infantry, and elephants, the text underscores the moral weight of war: decisions by rulers translate into massive mobilization and suffering, so dharma requires sobriety, restraint, and accountability.
Vaiśampāyana reports the troop-strength of a marching division associated (in the surrounding narration) with leaders such as Virāṭa and Dhṛṣṭadyumna, listing the numbers of chariots, horses, foot-soldiers, and elephants.